★★★★★ 5
MUST Read for any age.
Format: Paperback
I read this book as a sophomore in college for a unit on banned books. Knowing that there is a generation of students who won't get to read this book and think about/discuss the themes Lo presents is devastating. Despite the debates surrounding the book’s appropriateness for younger kids, I believe this book is EXACTLY what children need to be reading. Specifically, I think middle school-aged children could gain a lot of value in reading this book to help them understand sexuality, relationships with family and friends, and that not everything is as black and white as some people may believe. Lily and Kath’s relationship is written so beautifully, and as a reader, it felt real.
Even though I would categorize this as a YA novel, anyone at any age can gain a lot from reading this. The story is captivating and real. Lily (the main character) doesn't get everything she wants, and while the ending is somewhat satisfactory, it leaves the reader wanting to know more, which I think has its pros and cons. Personally, I liked the general ending, but to be honest, I wanted to know more about what ended up happening regarding some of the storylines of the book. For example, Lily’s father had some issues regarding his immigrant status. We hear bits and pieces here and there, but we never really find out if/how it gets solved. Relationships like Lily and Tommy’s (a performer at the Telegraph Club) spark interesting conversations about power dynamics and where the line is between nurturing and overstepping.
I understand parents, guardians, and teachers may be worried about “exposing” children to “difficult” content and discussing things like sexuality with young individuals. But in my opinion, books like this are the perfect way to lay the groundwork for those types of conversations. We are delivered messages and lessons through an interesting story with layers about what it is like to be a teenage girl in a World of uncertainty– something I think many can relate to. Please read. Please give to your children to read. Please don't let this book be erased.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2025